Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, December 02: The Secretary Education, Mrs Tanvy Garg today assured that the salary of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan teachers of Education Department will released in a few days.
Recently it was highlighted by Andaman Sheekha that the teachers working under Sarva Siksha Abhyhan were not paid salary since last three months after which the Lt Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands himself intervened into this matter and ordered immediate release of salary from Administration’s fund.
But teachers allege that even after more than a week the Education Department has not released the salaries of the teachers yet. A ground of SSA teachers yesterday called Andaman Sheekha and said they are planning a protest if they don’t get salary before December 7,2015.
When Andaman Sheekha contacted the Secretary Education, Mrs Tanvy Garg, she said that the process is underway and the salaries have already been sent to all the concerned DDOs and within a few days the salaries of the SSA teachers will be released.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, December 01: The Secretary, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI), Mr N K Sharma has assured the islanders that action will be taken against PRI members if it is found that they are involved in corrupt activities.
In many cases in past media had reported about illegal purchases made by various Panchayat in name of Garbage Bins, Stationeries, Parks etc but not concrete action was taken against anyone.
When questioned the Secretary of PRI, Mr Sharma said that there might be delay in the process but no one will be spared if found involved in corruption.
Reminding about a Pramukh of Little Andaman, the Secretary, PRI said that strict action was taken against the Pramukh as she was involved in corruption.
Among top corruption cases by PRI members one Pradhan of Urmilapur Panchayat had purchased a wall clock at Rs. 85,000/-, while a Pradhan had purchased garbage bins worth Rs. 900 @ Rs. 5000 to Rs 6000/each.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 30: Shortage of cargo vessels is adversely affecting supply of essential commodities to far-flung islands in the Nicobar group of islands. With only one cargo vessel dispatched with supplies to the southern group of islands after about 30-45 days, almost all commercial establishments in the region are suffering inadequate stock of essential commodities causing extreme hardships to the remote residents particularly in Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Kamorta.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, several residents of the southern group of islands complained that the Shipping Department deploys cargo ships with essential commodities after a gap of over 45 days. “Located more than 500 kilomters away from the capital city of these islands, stocks of essential commodities like ration articles, vegetables etc remain dry in almost all commercial establishments in the region. In several occasions in the past, residents of Great Nicobar have suffered from shortage of essential commodities. However, the Shipping Department has found no time to address the concern,” said some residents of Campbell Bay.
The Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Anil Tiwari said that during a recent trip to Campbell Bay, he noticed acute shortage of essential commodities in the markets. Supply of essential commodities are often delayed for months as the Shipping Department does not deploy cargo vessels in the sector.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Deputy Director of Shipping Services, Mr R Veeraiah admitted that deployment of cargo vessels to the southern group of islands with supplies should be ensured. “Repairs of cargo vessel MV Badam has been completed and the Survey and Certification process is in the final stage. After the necessary procedures are complete, the DSS will deploy the vessel for supply of essentials to the southern group of islands,” the official informed.

Sarthak Kanjilal

Port Blair, Dec 29: The Shipping Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is trying hard to improve the vehicle ferry service in two creeks of Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), for smooth traffic flow.
Frequent breakdowns and unavailability of sufficient vehicle ferry vessels in Middle Strait and Humphrey Strait, two creeks which cuts through the Andaman Trunk Roads in two different areas, delay the journey of Andaman Trunk Roads, causing discomfort to ATR passengers.
Public allege that often due to breakdown of vehicle ferry vessels the 10 hour long journey of ATR often become 12 to 14 hour long.
But now considering the brewing anger among passengers the Shipping Department of A & N Administration is taking several steps to improve the service.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha the Deputy Director of Shipping Services Mr. R Veeraiah said that presently considering the heavy traffic flow two bigger vehicle ferry vessels MV Lapathy and MV Pilobhabhi are plying in Middle strait, connecting Middle Strait Jetty and Baratang Jetty.
He said that similarly two small vehicle ferry vessels have been placed at Humphrey Strait, between Gandhi Ghat Jetty and Uttara Jetty.
“But due to excessive pressure on these small ferries the breakdown percentage of these vessels is very high. To deal with this problem we are planning to place another bigger vehicle ferry vessel at Humphrey Strait, making total number of Humphrey Strait at Humphrey strait to three,” the DDSS said.
He said that other than this another small vehicle ferry vessel Austin V is totally ready after renovation, which the Shipping Department is planning to press into service in December 2015.
“We will place Austin V at Middle Strait and with this total number of vehicle ferry vessels at Middle Strait and Humphrey Strait will be three each,” Mr. Veeraiah added.
He said that other than this MVF Kadamtala will also become sea worthy in three or four months and after that the vehicle ferry service in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will considerably improve.
The life line Andaman Trunk Road, connects Port Blair city with North and Middle Andaman and everyday several thousand people including thousands of tourists travel through ATR.
Fisherman Drowns at Diglipur
D J Venkatesh
Diglipur, Nov 29: A fisherman died at Imli Tikry area of Diglipur recently when he fell from a fishing dinghy. According to report on Thursday last four fishermen had gone for fishing but when the dinghy was crossing Imly Tikry area one fisherman, Mr. Gaurango Dutta, resident of VS Palli fell into water accidently while moving from one side of the dinghy to other due to balance loss.
As per reports after three hours of search other fishermen, the dead body of Mr. Gaurango Dutta was found at the shore. The police has seized the dinghy and registered a case of death due to negligence. Further investigations are on.

One fisherman died by drowning
One fisherman Gaurango Dutta r/o V S Palli yesterday died by drowning
near Imli Tikry at Diglipur. Four fishermen were went to fishing by a
Engine dinghy when they reached near imly tikry one of the fisherman
Gauranga Dutta tried to cross from one side of the dinghy to other
side by walking on ramp of the dinghy, suddenly a huge wave hit the
dinghy and he fell in the sea. After three hours search his dead body
found on the shore. The dinghy was seized and a case under sec
280/304A was registered at PS Diglipur and police investigating
further.

Sarthak Kanjilal

Port Blair, Nov 26: Administrative laxity has left a crucial post in the Social Welfare Department vacant for more than 20 years. Welfare Officer (Female) was created in the Social Welfare Department in the year 1993-1994, but the department didn’t formulate the recruitment rules for the post due to which the post has remained vacant till date.

A research by Andaman Sheekha found there are several qualified candidates for the post of Welfare Officer in these islands. “Sloppy administrative works in the Social Welfare Department is the main reason behind the delay in filling up the vacancy. Even after several years, the Department failed to prepare the recruitment rules for the sanctioned post of Welfare Officer. With growing unemployment in these islands, youth long for government jobs in any department of the administration. As such the Social Welfare Department should put in sincere efforts to fill up the vacancy of Welfare Officer at the earliest,” said some readers speaking to this daily

But now there seems to be a hope as the department has now initiated some steps. Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Director, Social Welfare, Mr MN Murali said that the post of Welfare Officer could not be filled up as the Recruitment Rules for the post has not been created.

“The Department initiated steps for formulation of RRs for the post and the matter was referred to the UPSC which has sought certain clarifications from the Social Welfare Department. Procedures are currently underway to create the recruitment rules for the posts,” Mr Murali added.

Senthil Kumar
Rangat, Nov 26: Even as the intervention of the Lt. Governor has brought temporary relief, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan teachers remain in unrest over administrative apathy in grant of other benefits. SSA teachers have been long demanding equal pay for equal work at par with their regular counterparts in the Education Department, age-relaxation or regularization of services of teachers who have served the Department since 2003, 30 % hike of salary every year against the current 10% hike, medical leave benefits and accommodation for SSA teachers serving in inter-islands. However, the failure of the administration in addressing these issues has left the SSA teachers in rage and aggrieved lot has now planned to stage a protest on the 7th of next month.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, SSA teachers of Rangat zone has said that SSA teachers perform duties similar to teachers in the Education Department and their demand for equal pay for equal work is totally justified.
“Currently, SSA teachers draw salaries much less that the regular teachers of the Education Department. Even our demand for 30% annual hike in remuneration has not been met as only 10% of annual hike is granted,” some teachers said.
“We have also been demanding Medical Leave benefits for long, but the administration has till date failed to grant the benefit to the SSA teachers. Moreover, in the absence of government accommodation facilities, SSA teachers are forced to rent private accommodations in inter-island postings on high rates. Many of us serving the department since 2003 have now crossed the age-limit for regular government jobs and persistent appeals for age-relaxation or regularization of services of SSA teachers have yielded no positive results from the Education Department,” said SSA teachers adding that they will hold a demonstration in front of the DEO Office on the 7th of next month to press for their demands.

DJ Venkatesh

Diglipur, Nov 24: For apathy of the authorities, a prominent school in North Andaman is on the brink of collapse posing risk to students and teachers. Constructed in the year 1958, the Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Subhashgram in Diglipur has been facing maintenance issues for long and routine mudslides near the school premises has increased the risk of building collapse that can trigger a big catastrophe in the region.
According to reports, faulty construction and use of substandard materials is alleged to be the main reason behind routine soil erosion along the school premises. The retaining wall constructed behind the school some years ago crumbled this year during heavy rains.
Moreover, the rivulet located just 3-4 feet from the school building has amplified the risk of landslide threatening the school building, which houses more than 900 students and about 50 teaching and non-teaching staff. Even the school fencing was damaged recently due to landslides.
“The building of GSSS Subashgram needs urgent attention as it has become vulnerable to landslides. Heavy rains trigger mudslides along the school premises due to the presence of a nearby rivulet. The retaining wall of the school building and fencing collapsed due to heavy rains and landslides. The reasons for the condition of the school building is primarily due to improper construction planning in a landslide-prone zone and lack of timely maintenance. The authorities concerned should immediately jump into action and embark on measures to ensure safety of the school building,” assert some residents of Subhashgram.
According to information, the Pradhan of Subhashgram Panchayat has also invited the attention of the Secretary Education towards the pressing issue. The APWD officials along with the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur have also physical inspected the site of the school and remedial measures are likely to be taken soon for the safety of the school children and staff.

Staff Correspondent

Port Blair, Nov 23: To ensure a corruption-free society and administration, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) here has intensified clamp downs on the corrupt and erring officials exposing underhand deals in the recent months.

The ACU succeeded in trapping several government officials and conduits and arrested corrupt official red-handed for demanding and accepting bribe for execution of government works.

The ACU mechanism to curb corruption in the lower echelons of the bureaucracy has led to arrests of some lower-rung officials like Junior Engineers, Linemans etc on charges of graft in the recent months.

But the let-down of the same reliable mechanism to catch the ‘big fishes’, who have been looting the government coffers without any fear of reprisal, is being questioned by some sections of the society.

“Soon after the administration cleared its stand on corruption and assured a corruption free government to the masses, the ACU intensified crackdowns on corrupt government officials. Several arrests of officials for demanding bribe in the past one year has regained public trust in the ACU. However, the ACU will do a great service to the citizens if it succeeds in unearths corruption from the higher levels of bureaucracy. Corrupt government officials pursue a conduit to execute their misdeeds. As such, possibility of involvement of senior level officials of the different departments of the administration cannot be ruled out. But, the ACU, in its recent crackdowns, managed to arrest only lower-level government officials. It’s understood that arrest of senior officials on charges of corruption will have political influences. But the ACU should be given a free hand for probes and efforts should be made to eliminate corruption from all levels of the government,” opined a senior citizen speaking to Andaman Sheekha.

Senthil Kumar

Rangat, Nov 20: The matter of denying entry to two pregnant ladies in DSS vessel, M V Jolly Bouy by the Captain, has triggered a row in Islands.

The matter has deeply hurt Islanders and all readers. Due to unavailability of officials comment, complete details could not be obtained in first reports. However, further investigation by Andaman Sheekha has revealed that the entire issue happened due to lack of coordination between Shipping and Health Departments and also because of Ego clash.

It has also been reported by Rangat PHC sources that none of the ladies had died, as it was wrongly reported in first report, infact the PHC Rangat officials had to transfer both the ladies to G B Pant Hospital in Ambulances through  ATR, which was too difficult for expecting mothers of eight + months.

Replying to Andaman Sheekha’s 19th November question the Director of Shipping Services, Capt. Rajinder Kumar today replied in a message that due to rough sea conditions, non availability of doctor on-board and complicated cases of pregnancies the master had to decline as it could have created an emergency at sea with no facilities to handle such situation.

“There were two more DSS vessels after that one on 15 and on 17 but nobody approached,” the Director replied.

Meanwhile another source from Shipping Department clarified that as the weather was bad the Captain of the vessel requested for a doctor with the patient. But due to shortage of doctor at Rangat no doctor could accompany the patient. The captain to be in safe side asked the nurse to sign an undertaking but the nurse accompanying the patient alleged refused to sign any undertaking.

However, the CHC Rangat sources alleged that all the captains in Rangat- Port Blair vessels allow pregnant ladies to travel in vessels with Staff Nurses except on particular captain. In both the cases the captain was same.

The Husband of one of the pregnant ladies told Andaman Sheekha that how difficult it was to take an expecting mother to Port Blair from Rangat via Andaman Trunk Road. “It was too painful for my wife and I am sure the other lady had also gone through the same horrific situation. My wife delivered baby on the same day we reached Port Blair thankfully nothing happened while we were in Andaman Trunk Road,” said Mr. Dipankar Biswas the husband of one of the patient.

“When the nurse on duty was repeatedly saying that she will handle the patient in case of any emergency, what was the problem with the captain? How can an expecting mother travel in Andaman Trunk Road, a few days before delivery? There was total lack of coordination between all the departments. At last moment how can a captain keep a pregnant lady waiting at Jetty and ask for various formalities?” questioned Mr. Biswas.

The Chief Medical Officer of PHC Rangat also told Andaman Sheekha that the matter has already been taken up with the Director of Health Services.

Expressing anger on this entire issue the Pradhan of Paranashala Panchayat, Mrs. Shivangini Minj said that both the ladies were from her village. “It is too risky for a pregnant lady to travel in ATR during last days of pregnancy, how can the DSS staff refuses to carry a pregnant lady when senior Staff Nurses were present with the patient, who were authorized by the doctor?” she question.

The Pradhan of Rangat Panchayat, Mr. SK Singh told Andaman Sheekha today that he will be writing a complaint letter to the DSS in this regard.

The million dollar question is that when the Prime Minister Modi is promising ‘Ache Din’ why due to lack of coordination between various departments and lack of a proper SOP for emergency cases, patients, especially expecting mothers are experiencing ‘Horrific Dins’? Who will take responsibility in case of any causality? What is the point giving clarification and explanations after making an expecting mother to suffer for hours and hours? Why different captains follow different rules? Why can’t there be one Standard Operating Procedure, which everyone will follow during emergency cases?